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Oscars 2014:Ellen DeGeneres

86th Academy Awards nominees

March 2, 2014 — Host: Ellen DeGeneres

NOW THEY KNOW how big the show is and how much people care, but the producers of the Oscars aren’t making any apologies for their maiden effort running Hollywood’s biggest show last year or the provocative humour of its host, Seth MacFarlane.

Oscar producers bank on ‘funny, very kind’ host Ellen DeGeneres

NOW THEY KNOW how big the show is and how much people care, but the producers of the Oscars aren’t making any apologies for their maiden effort running Hollywood’s biggest show last year or the provocative humour of its host, Seth MacFarlane.

For this year, the producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have teased a homage to movie heroes, like Erin Brockovich, Harry Potter and Nelson Mandela, and a heavy dose of hit Oscar-nominated songs by hot artists, including Pharrell Williams and U2. There will be surprises, they promise.

But the single biggest reason to tune in on Sunday in their minds? Ellen DeGeneres, comedian, day-time talk show maven and soon-to-be two-time Oscar host.

“She is funny and yet in her way she is very kind as well, and I think it’s a great blend,” said Meron.

“We are very proud of last year’s show and we love Seth,” Meron added. “Seth represents current comedy as does Ellen. They are both experts in the their field.”

But Meron bristles at the notion that the 56-year-old DeGeneres is a safe choice, someone who won’t offend like MacFarlane, the creator and star of TV series Family Guy who pushed boundaries with his risque jokes. The Los Angeles Times called the change in hosts from “naughty” to “nice.”

“Ellen is a brilliant talent,” said Meron. “Brilliant talents, I don’t think, are ever safe.”

Unlike some of the other awards shows in town, like the Golden Globes which has Tina Fey and Amy Poehler locked in for three years, the Oscars are changing hosts every year. Before MacFarlane there was a return to tradition with nine-time host Billy Crystal after a widely panned appeal to youth with co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco.